Hello, I'm Andrew.

Friendly, and creative Irish/South African bartender & mixologist that loves to make cocktails as much as drink them. 6 years of experience from import to the distribution of South African agave Spirits, & sales in Bars to Slijterijen.

When I was eighteen I broke my back whilst surfing... Despite this setback, I rehabilitated myself within 18 months and eventually went on to captain my province’s U21 indoor football team at the national championship. This life-changing experience projected me forward and taught me to push my limits, both physically and professionally. This energy continued to push me out of my comfort zone, eventually leading me to Amsterdam and, in turn, I completely fell in love with this beautiful, vivacious, city and its liberal culture. Eight years ago, I was challenged again by another serious sporting injury: tearing my PCL (ligament in my right knee). This was another wake-up call for me: Life is too short to not follow the path you see for yourself. After learning to walk (again) I returned to the digital marketing space, with continued success but experienced the same challenges of high workload, stress, and too short deadlines. I’ve since become a father; and so, I decided there's no time to wait, or settle for less, but actively and openly practice what I preach to my son. I’ve also gotten to the point where I confidently realise what I’m capable of, and what I want in life irrespective of what I have to go through to get it. That set the ball rolling - to fulfil my lifelong dream of having my very own brand of ‘mezcal’… Thus, I’ve spent the last 5 years running my own company: importing Authentic Artisanal African Spirits such as Leonista 100% Karoo Agave Spirits from South Africa to Europe; as well as representing and selling a range of South African spirit brands from South Africa's number one selling botanical spirit, Six Dogs Gins, to introducing Europe to Cape Brandy through Copper Republic's Zula XO & VSOP, whilst working on developing various African agave spirits. It is my ultimate goal to champion and establish a Denomination of Origin for Karoo Agave Spirits. While on this journey, I changed my career path, I’ve managed to survive one global pandemic; an alcohol ban on transport and sales in South Africa; I broke my wrist one week before the Hague Cocktail Festival, and competed in Battle of The Brand Ambassador, at The Perfect Serve Bar Show (I came second). I know I’m just starting my journey, but I’m a quick learner and I’m very, VERY, tenacious. So, if you want someone who truly cares about the work they’re doing, and the company and people with whom they work, then I truly look forward to hearing from you.

International Bartender Course (4 weeks)

Grade C Amsterdam - Jun 2022

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